Sep 22, 2023
The weather’s getting cooler, leaves are changing color…fall is finally here! That’s why Wyatt Johnson Hyundai’s service center near Nashville is here to offer you a car care checklist of service tips to keep your car as reliable as ever as the months get colder and colder. So whether you’re driving a new Hyundai or another car, take a look at our list below and schedule service in Clarksville afterwards for a stellar experience!
15 Tips to Prepare Your Car For Fall
- Checking and Refilling Fluids: All of your fluids play a crucial role in keeping your Hyundai performing at its absolute best, and during the cooler months you don’t need anything less. Taking a look at your oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and transmission fluid and refilling or changing any that need it is a great way to prepare your car for the winter months ahead. Also, checking your antifreeze/coolant is an absolute must, as that will keep your engine from getting too cold should the temps drop.
- Change the Oil and Filters: While we’re on the topic of fluids, your oil is a big one that you should be up to date on. Ignoring an oil change, especially on the brink of winter, is not a great idea. Old oil in your system greatly increases the risk of your engine overheating, severely damaging the engine. Check when your Hyundai is due for its next oil change and make sure you get the filters changed as well. That way your brand-new oil stays new for as long as possible!
- Test the Heating/HVAC: Yes, your AC system may seem like an afterthought when it comes to having to prepare your car for fall and winter car care. However, your HVAC is also responsible for filtering the air, dehumidifying your windshield, and heating your car. So making sure everything there is in working order before the weather gets too cold is probably a good idea.
- Tighten Your Hoses: Making sure your antifreeze and fluids are all topped off is great, but it won’t do you any good if it can’t reach your engine. If your hoses have any leaks or breaks, there’s a good chance you’ll overheat your engine when the cold weather hits and your engine has to work overtime to keep it warm. Be sure to give your hoses a good look over and tighten any that seem loose.
- Look at Your Belts: This actually goes hand in hand with your hoses. Hot summer months can severely degrade the belts in your engine. When checking under the hood, you should look for any signs of excessive wear, fraying, cracks, or looseness. If you do notice any of these, bring your Hyundai over to Wyatt Johnson Hyundai and we’ll set you up with a new belt.
- Test Your Exhaust: Checking your exhaust system as part of your fall car care checklist could actually save your life. If there’s a leak in your exhaust, carbon monoxide could seep into your car. Not only that, but a damaged exhaust system can also result in lower mileage. Keep on the lookout for weird noises, smells, a vibrating gas pedal, or a rumble when your car is sitting still. All are signs that your exhaust system is damaged. Our Hyundai-trained technicians in Clarksville will look for rust, holes, leaks, and other damage that may be present during our inspection.
- Check Your Brakes: You want to be able to stop when you need to stop right? Especially if the weather is giving you trouble, you don’t want your brakes to be something else to worry about. Bring your Hyundai over to Wyatt Johnson Hyundai and our service team will make sure your brake system is in good working order. Replacing your brake pads and rotors is essential to your fall car care and winter prep, so get quality brake service if you’re near Nashville today.
- Inspect All 4 Tires: The quality of your tires is just as important as that of your brakes. If your tires are worn down, they’re not going to do you much good in snow or rain. Make sure to not only check the tread but also their pressure. Tires tend to lose pressure when the temperature drops and changing a flat in 30-degree weather isn’t fun. If you really want to future-proof yourself, getting a good set of snow tires or all-season tires will be greatly beneficial. You can get those and quality tire service in Clarksville.
- Pay Attention to Steering and Suspension: You want to be in complete control of your Hyundai in the event of bad weather. Making sure your power steering and suspension are up to par is the best way to remain in control at all times. If you’re worried, our team can take a look at your shock absorbers, struts, and chassis to see if anything needs adjusting or replacing.
- Test The Battery: Bering able to rely on your battery during the colder months can be a huge weight off your shoulders. So be sure to check the charge and quality of your current battery. If it’s been more than three years, it may be time to replace the battery completely. Visit our service center near the greater Nashville area and we’ll be able to set you up with a brand-new battery just in time for the cold weather to come.
- Replace Your Wipers: Did you know that the quality of your windshield wipers actually factors into your yearly inspection? That’s because if your wipers are leaving heavy streaks on your windshield, you’re not going to have very good visibility. And visibility is essential in any type of inclement weather.
- Wash Your Car: This may definitely seem unnecessary, but hear us out for a second. Cleaning your car of all the summer mildew and dirt can help prepare it for what’s coming. Waxing your car can also protect it from snow, ice, and salt as well. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to clean your car after it snows regularly. Icemelt and salt can accumulate and erode certain components of your undercarriage if left on for extended periods of time. While not as immediately important as other tips on your Fall car care list, it won’t hurt.
- Clean Your Headlights: Between dead bulbs and cloudy headlight covers, there’s enough to check to warrant this being on your Fall car care list. Your headlights do two things out on the road. They help you see what’s in front of you, and they help other drivers see you. Make sure both of these functions are unimpeded by checking your bulbs and cleaning your headlight covers.
- Pack Roadside Kit: If the unfortunate happens and you have car issues or slide on ice or snow, having a pack of supplies to fall back on is a great idea. Some things that should be in your roadside kit include an ice scraper, jumper cables, a flashlight, blankets, bottled water, non-perishable food, and a first aid kit. You can never be too careful.
- Get AAA/Roadside Assistance: No Fall car care list would be complete without roadside assistance. These guys can be literal life savers and save you from having to sit out in the cold waiting on a tow company and praying that they’re open. Companies like AAA offer 24/7 support and assistance so they’re always there when you need them. Plus, with Hyundai Roadside Assistance, you’re getting the same benefits for your Hyundai!
Stay On Top of Your Fall Car Care
It may seem like a lot to keep track of, but if you follow this fall car care checklist, you’ll be more than prepared for when the colder months roll around. And if there’s anything you need to replace or you can’t check out yourself, you can always make Wyatt Johnson Hyundai a part of your fall car prep by scheduling an appointment with our service center in Clarksville. Make sure you prepare your car for the changing of the seasons with Wyatt Johnson Hyundai near Nashville!
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